William “Bill” Henderson of Sussex passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Morristown Medical Center. He was 86.
Bill was born on Oct. 28, 1936, in Sussex to Seeley and Jane (Sprague) Henderson. He graduated from Sussex High School in 1954 where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army with the 702nd Ordinance Battalion Company stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, after receiving training at Fort Dix and attending school for track and wheel repair at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
After serving from 1954 to 1957, Bill returned home to work at Henderson’s Esso Service, which his father, Seeley Henderson, started in 1932. Bill took over ownership in 1966 and took pride in providing quality service to his customers for nearly 60 years.
Bill was a charter member of the Sussex Jaycees, past member of Wantage Grange #78 and a member of the Sussex United Methodist Church.
On occasion, Bill enjoyed some time away from the garage vacationing with family and friends in Damariscotta, Maine, and enjoying hunting trips to Maine and Vermont.
Bill was a member and part owner of the Square 5 Gun Club, which was located in High Point State Park.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Marie (nee Serva), of 62 years, and their two sons, Michael of Sussex and David and his wife Marie of Sparta; his grandchildren, Ryan Henderson of San Diego, Calif., Kristina Henderson of Hamburg, Austin and Tanner Henderson of Denver, Colo., Jillian Henderson of Hoboken, and Natasha Henderson of Sparta. Bill is also survived by his sister, Joan Ackerman and her husband Jim of Chipley, Fla.; brother-in-law, Chester (Bob) Serva and his wife Cathy of Stuart, Fla.; and his nephews and nieces.
Private services are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home, 27 Third St., Sussex.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sussex United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 244 Sussex, NJ 07461 or the Sussex Fire Department, 25 Loomis Ave., Sussex, NJ 07461.
Information and condolences may be found at www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com